Hello, hello, all! After spending a full decade listening to podcasts now, I feel like I can decide fairly early on if I will like a podcast or not. It must be said, I am particular in my listening. I will not overlook poor narration, and sound quality matters. I like longer podcasts, ie. at least 40 minutes long, and if you aren’t on Google Play or Google Podcasts, you better be amazing. I’ve shared my favourite style podcasts, podcasts to make you think, and today I’m back with more. These are my April 2019 podcast recs for you, with style history, Irish history, and general history- dealer’s choice!
The early years of listening to podcasts were rough. It was a new medium, and a steep learning curve for everyone. However, people have learned a lot more, they have shared that knowledge, and starting a podcast isn’t like climbing Mount Everest. The lovely part about that is that there are thousands and thousands of podcasts to chose from, especially in the arena of history. These are some of my current favourites which are keeping me entertained and tickling my brain- it never hurts to learn something new, even if that something happens to be old.
Dressed:The History of Fashion
I know that I recommend Dressed in my favourite style podcasts post, but I think it bears repeating here. It was only 3 months old when I first posted about it, and it has really flourished in the meantime. Hosted by April Callahan, a Special Collections Associate and Curator of Manuscript Collections at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and Cassidy Zachary, a fashion historian and author, there is something for everyone. What I truly appreciate about this podcast is that although they explain everything for the complete beginner, it’s isn’t dumbed down to the point where an historian would be bored. It covers individual figures, such as designer Charles Worth and stylist Rose Bertin. It also looks at the history of specific garments, such as the kashmir shawl and the tux.
Because they are so well connected in the fashion world, they have some of the most amazing guests on Dressed. Florence Müller, who curated the Dior: From Paris to the World exhibition in Paris was interviewed. And without a doubt, my favourite episode features none other than fashion historian and Queen Alexandra expert Dr. Kate Strasdin. If you recall, I was reading her monograph, Inside the Royal Wardrobe, and it was wonderful to hear her thoughts. (Expect a review in the next weeks!) They balance well between themselves and external guests, and it’s a great listening experience.
A note to historians: style history is framed more in art history than general history. It is still fascinating, but you may want to familiarise yourself with a few basic art history terms. I enjoy being pushed out of my historical comfort zone, but you may be lost if you aren’t even a little familiar.
Irish History Podcast
For anyone who doesn’t know my historical background, I’ve studied Irish history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. My undergraduate work focused on early modern and modern Irish history while my MA looked at early Irish history. All of this is to say that I think Irish history gets the short shift from its cousin across the Irish Sea. A lot of people across the world are fascinated by the tiny town in Ireland that their great great great grandparents came from, but there is so much to Ireland than family trees. Enter: the Irish History Podcast.
The host, Fin Dwyer, covers every period and aspect of Irish history. No matter what your interest in Irish history is, it’s there. Norman military invasions, medieval prostitution, early Irish high kinds, all for your listening. The episodes are on the shorter side, typically between 15 and 35 minutes, but the site is helpfully organised by themed series. I am certainly biased given my area of study, but I’ve got to recommend the High Kings and Vikings series. And if you are of the current sort of person who is obsessed with true crime and murder, he also delves into some late nineteenth century murders that will keep you listening.
Also, if you find yourself in Dublin, Fin offers an Irish Famine walking tour. I know that most people picture historians being stuck in the archives, but I promise, we do get out!
In Our Time
In Our Time is a BBC podcast, and is one of my favourites from the Beeb. Melvyn Bragg is a fantastic host to listen to, and he always has a wide variety of guests on. I think I enjoy this podcast in particular because there tends to be academic historians on every episode. Coming from an academic background, it is where I feel most comfortable, and it makes me miss my seminars! It is never a lecture or a simple history lesson, but always a lively discussion and I appreciate being able to listen in on them. The production quality is also wonderful, as you would expect from something produced by the BBC.
This is a general history podcast, meaning that any and every historical topic can be discussed. The Delphic Oracle, Marie Attoinette, the Mamluks, the Ice Age, all topics covered. No matter what period, geographic region, or type of history you are interested in, you will find episodes for your enjoyment. Episodes tend to be 40-60 minutes, so make sure you have time to truly settle in and listen. Also, it is probably because I am a giant history nerd, but I adore that the historians will often provide a reading list for the episode. (My own reading list has grown, but in the best way possible.) One of my favourite episodes has to be the Mary, Queen of Scots episode (of course!).
What are your 2019 history podcast recs? What do I need to be listening to?
Cheers,
The Historian
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